All things dine

We revisit old favourites Cibo and Pind Balluchi and discover a new one in the backyard of Saket. Something for everyone.

advertisement

Ritu Agarwal Rohatgi

Kalyani Prasher

Aditi SenGupta

June 9, 2010

UPDATED: October 8, 2010 17:48 IST

We revisit old favourites Cibo and Pind Balluchi and discover a new one in the backyard of Saket. Something for everyone.

Pind Balluchi, New DelhiDespite the psychedelic bhangra dancers on the walls, a faux tree and kitschy village dÅcor, there is a buzz about Pind Balluchi that has an appeal all its own. We step inside a bit tentatively. A mix of Punjabi and Rajasthani cuisine sounded a bit odd. But that was till the food started coming to our table.

The Paneer Tikka was fresh and succulent, not too spiced. For the main course we ordered an eclectic mix of Dal Pachrangi, Butter Chicken and Gutta Curry... As an afterthought I added some Dhaba Meat, the ultimate test of any Indian restaurant is the quality of its mutton, really.

First things first: the food came piping hot to the table; that's half the battle won already. The dal was delicious, I've eaten better gutta curry but this one's not bad either. The meat passed the test, though I'd be happier with smaller chunks. The family on the next table pushed us to try the paan kulfi--with bits of gulukand and supari. It was good!

Cibo, New DelhiChange is constant, and Cibo, the Italian restaurant at Hotel Janpath, moves with the times by introducing the new Easy Lazy Cafe menu, right for anyone who wants to grab a quick bite between meetings or catch up with friends after work. It has the usual suspects--soups, small plates (we recommend the Asian Inspired Fried Fish and Prawns with Seafood Crackers), fresh greens, pasta, pizzas and burgers (one is big enough to be a meal).

The Milano Paper Pizza with Parma Ham, Arugula and Parmesan Shavings is tasty and also light enough to help you leave room for other dishes. The Tenderloin Steak Sandwich with Truffle Butter, Tomato and Blue Cheese is a good option if you can handle the strong flavour of the cheese. We also liked the Spaghetti Aglio Olio Con Salumi, though the garlic flavouring could have been stronger. Finish with Cibo Fondant and go back to your chores with the taste of dark chocolate and vanilla ice cream lingering in your mouth. Delicious.

-ASMeal for two: Rs. 1,500; tel: (011) 4302 9291; www.cibodelhi.com

Aquum, New DelhiIn the fast developing arms of Select City Walk has opened a new Mughlai restaurant, curiously called Aquum. (Called so because of the cool components of water used in the decor.) Things are not promising at first. The entrance is cramped and the sign on top goes 'Heritage Cuisine and Chic Bar'; reminding one of those seedy joints on highways. But that's just bad idea and doesn't translate to a bad experience. Aquum is an Indian fine dining option for the family, who can choose from old favourites such as Lucknowi Biryani, Mirch Baigan ka Salan, Butter Chicken and Dal Makhni. There are some twists to the old such as the olive naan, or the cheese and chilli naan apart from the usual lachcha paranthas. The ambience is spacious and there is a big television screen for cricket addicts. Most dishes are rich though the desserts come topped with varq.